Balance Druid Guide - The War Within 11.0.2

Hello, fellow disciples of Elune! Our WoW The War Within Balance Druid DPS guide has everything you need to triumph over any situation the game may present. We'll cover all aspects of playing a Balance Druid, including abilities and talents, equipment and consumables, ways to improve, frequently asked questions and more. If you're already familiar with the specialization, you can jump ahead to the section that interests you the most. However, if you are new to playing as a Balance Druid, we recommend reading the guide from beginning to end. So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey together!

 

Balance Druid Pros and Cons

Each World of Warcraft specialization has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the Balance Druid is not exempt from this. It is important to become acquainted with these aspects early on, so that if you choose to switch to the Balance specialization, you are aware of what to anticipate.

The Balance Druid class is a formidable force that should not be underestimated. This is due to a number of advantages that they possess:

• Single Target Swapping - The Balance Druid ability to switch targets quickly and efficiently is one of the strongest in the game, especially when they are able to pool resources for Starsurge.
• Burst Single Target - Celestial Alignment is a powerful ability that the Balance Druid possesses, allowing them to deal some of the highest burst Single Target damage in the game.
• Long-Term Sustained Multi-Target - The Balance Druid has a significant amount of multi-target damage, with most of their power coming from Starfall, Moonfire, Sunfire, and Starfire.
• Bear Form + Barkskin Conjunction - Although Bear Form and Barkskin are not individually powerful cooldowns, when used in conjunction, they become some of the strongest in the game. Bear Form increases Armor and Stamina by a significant amount, while Barkskin provides a 20% damage reduction on top of it. Although there is a significant loss in damage output, the increase in survivability more than makes up for it.
• Control and Utility - As a class, Druids have a significant amount of control and utility in the form of Innervate, Entangling Roots, and Typhoon, as well as Mass Entanglement and Mighty Bash. This provides the Balance Druid with a range of options for managing and controlling encounters.

Although the Balance Druid specialization has many advantages, it also has a few drawbacks that should be noted. These are as follows:

• Long Multi-Target Ramp-Up Time - Due to the amount of time it takes to apply Moonfire to multiple targets, the Balance Druid's multi-target burst is significantly lower than other classes. Additionally, building up an initial Astral Power pool can take between 10-15 seconds, which can slow down the player at the start of a single-target encounter.
• Lack of Talent Strength - Currently, the Balance Druid's base kit is quite strong, and the talents do not have much impact on overall damage. If the player chooses talents that do not alter damage, they may lose around 15% of their overall damage output. This lack of flexibility can make it difficult for the player to make meaningful choices when selecting talents for a particular encounter, which can be particularly problematic when compared to other classes that offer more varied talent choices.

To truly gauge the complete potential of any specialization, it is important to play it at the maximum level. However, leveling up from scratch can seem daunting and time-consuming, especially if you do not have a level 80 Balance Druid yet. Fortunately, there is an effective and straightforward solution available. You can consider using our The War Within Leveling service. Our team of professional players will take your character and quickly level it up to the cap. Our prices are reasonable, and we guarantee successful results.

Balance Druid Basics

The Balance Druid class follows a standard build and spend gameplay style that involves a predictable rotation cadence. When combat starts, or when Celestial Alignment is triggered, players must choose between Solar or Lunar Eclipse. Solar Eclipse requires casting two Starfires while Lunar Eclipse requires casting two Wraths. Currently, Lunar Eclipse and Wrath take priority in all phases. BLOG20

After choosing an Eclipse, players proceed to generate Astral Power by using the appropriate filler spell. To generate Astral Power during Solar Eclipse, players must cast Wrath, while during Lunar Eclipse, Starfire should be used. Each Eclipse lasts for 15 seconds, and it's crucial to maintain uptime as much as possible. Therefore, players should aim to be inside Eclipse as often as possible.

Core Balance Druid Abilities

At the heart of the Balance Druid class lies the crucial mechanic of building and spending Astral Power. Astral Power is the key resource that enables players to unleash powerful spells like Starsurge or Starfall whenever necessary. This resource is generated through the use of specific abilities, commonly referred to as builders, such as Moonfire, Sunfire, Starfire, and Wrath.

• Moonfire is an instant cast ability that emits a beam of lunar light, dealing a small amount of Arcane damage and additional damage over time for 16 seconds while generating 2 Astral Power.
• Sunfire is another instant cast ability that inflicts damage over time and generates 2 Astral Power.
• Starfire, a moderately-casted direct damage spell that cleaves around the target hit, generates 8 Astral Power.
• Wrath, on the other hand, allows players to hurl a ball of energy at a target, dealing Nature damage and generating 6 Astral Power.
• Players can spend their accumulated Astral Power on powerful abilities such as Starsurge, an instant cast direct damage spell that costs 40 Astral Power, and Starfall, a 50 Astral Power cost ability that deals damage to multiple targets.
• Celestial Alignment is a major damage cooldown that grants players both Solar and Lunar Eclipses and a 10% increase in haste, further amplifying their Astral Power generation and spending capabilities.

It's important to note that the list of abilities mentioned above is by no means exhaustive. Players should carefully review their spellbook to familiarize themselves with additional rotational skills and cooldowns and learn when to use them effectively. Although practicing on target dummies can be helpful, it's crucial to eventually take on more challenging content.

Mythic+ dungeons are an excellent way for players to put their abilities to the test while also earning valuable gear. However, running these dungeons with random groups can often be stressful and negative, especially for those who are trying to gear up and improve their M+ score. Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem. By utilizing our Mythic Carry services, players can team up with our pro players who will clear any TWW dungeons for them. This not only guarantees success but also provides players with valuable gear and a boost to their M+ score, which can greatly benefit them in future adventures.

Balance Druid Stat Priority

Now let's turn our attention to Balance Druid stats. As a Balance Druid, maximizing your Intellect should be your top priority, as it is your primary stat. However, you shouldn't overlook the benefits of the secondary stats. Critical Strike can be especially advantageous, as it provides a chance to deal double damage with spells. Haste, on the other hand, reduces spell cast time, speeds up your damage over time effects, and can also decrease your global cooldown time. Although Haste is particularly strong for AoE damage, it's still quite effective for single-target damage. Mastery is another important stat that increases the overall damage of your spells, and is currently considered the best secondary stat for Balance Druids. Versatility is also worth considering, as it can improve both your damage output and your ability to heal, while also reducing damage taken. 

Overall, this stat priority is a safe and effective choice for The War Within in the current state of the game:

1. Intellect;
2. Mastery;
3. Haste;
4. Crit;
5. Vers.

This guide provides a useful starting point for evaluating whether an item is an upgrade or not. However, as you gain more experience, it's best to use a character simulator to determine the exact value of an item's stats, since the relative importance of each stat can shift as you acquire new gear. While simulating your character is the most accurate way to assess upgrades, in the vast majority of cases, simply following the rule of prioritizing higher item level gear will suffice. Occasionally checking your stat priority can also be helpful in ensuring that you are equipping items that align with your desired playstyle.

Best Balance Druid PvE Builds

As you may already be aware, The War Within has implemented a new and improved talent system that allows for greater character customization and the creation of multiple builds. This system offers increased flexibility for various encounters and encourages experimentation, which was the developers' intention.

By utilizing the talent builds outlined below and saving them in your templates, your Balance Druid will be well-equipped to handle any situation that arises in World of Warcraft. It's important to note, however, that success is not solely determined by having the right talent build. In a world of lengthy raid queues, sudden key departures, and frustrating PUG experiences, success often requires teamwork. If you're looking to expedite your progress, we offer a variety of The War Within Boost services that are sure to meet your needs.

 

Balance Druid Raid Build

The talent build outlined below strikes a balance between area of effect (AOE) and single target damage, making it well-suited for most fights in the Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible raid.

To apply this build in-game, simply copy and paste the text below:

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Balance Druid Mythic+ Build

For Balance Druids who plan to tackle Mythic+ dungeons, the talent build below prioritizes sustained AOE damage while also incorporating high-value nodes in the talent tree:

To import this build into your character's template, copy the string provided below:

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Best Balance Druid PvP Build

During an Arena match, Balance Druids are responsible for fulfilling two critical roles. Firstly, utilizing their potent single-target damage to keep the pressure on their opponents. Secondly, employing their crowd control abilities and mobility to set up kills. Among these crowd control abilities, Cyclone is widely considered the most effective one in the game. Besides, Balance Druids also have access to the Mass Entanglement + Solar Beam combination, which can be extremely useful. For optimal results, you should Cyclone the enemy's healer while your teammate stuns the kill target.

If you're looking for a talent setup specifically for PvP, then the following is the recommended build:

Import string:

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When it comes to selecting PvP talents, you are allowed to choose three from the list provided below. Each talent has its specific applications, and some are more effective for certain strategies than others. While the top three choices are highly recommended, they can be substituted with other PvP talents based on your team's objectives.

Essential PvP Talents:

• Moonkin Aura increases the Critical Strike chance of your teammates' spells when you use Starsurge. This is an excellent way to enhance you and your teammates' sustained damage.
• With Owlkin Adept, Owlkin Frenzy can stack up to two times and reduce the cast time of your next Cyclone or Entangling Roots by 50%. This talent is especially useful against teams that tend to focus on you as it can help negate damage with near-instant Cyclones.

Situational PvP Talents:

• Star Burst lets Starfall summon stars that linger for 15 seconds. Enemies who come into contact with them will receive damage and be knocked into the air. Allies can pick up the stars and throw them at enemies, making this a necessary talent when dealing with spread pressure from specializations such as Elemental Shaman, Affliction Warlock, or Shadow Priest.
• Thorns should be applied to either you or a teammate. Melee attackers will take Nature damage with each hit, making it a great choice when facing enemy teams with two melee DPS.
• Celestial Guardian reduces the spell damage you take and increases healing received while in Bear Form. This is a crucial talent when dealing with teams that specialize in heavy spell damage. You can stay in Bear Form during enemy caster's burst cooldowns and significantly reduce the amount of spell damage you receive.
• High Winds reduces the damage dealt by enemies once they exit your Cyclone. This talent is best used when you are not the primary target for the enemy team or when facing caster DPS.

Balance Druid Best in Slot Gear

The world of The War Within offers a multitude of options for obtaining gear, ranging from raids and Mythic+ dungeons to the Crafting Order system. As a result, the notion of BiS (Best-in-Slot) gear has lost some of its significance. However, many players still enjoy pursuing a specific list of items, and it serves as their primary motivation for engaging in WoW content.

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of an item is influenced by various factors, such as whether you're participating in PvP or PvE content and the other gear you have equipped. To determine the precise value of any gear for your Balance Druid, we highly recommend simulating your character.

In general, prioritize items with higher item levels, as they provide the most significant boost to your primary stat, Intellect. After that, consider the stat priority discussed earlier.

Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope Best in Slot Gear for Balance Druid

It's important to note that raiding in The War Within may not be the quickest method for obtaining gear for your character. If speed is your top priority, it's worth exploring other options such as crafting or Mythic+ dungeons. However, if raiding is your preferred activity, here's a list of the items you should strive to acquire:

While striving to obtain the list of items mentioned above can significantly boost your character's power, it's important not to obsess over it. While it's tempting to pursue the "mathematically best" options, there are often alternatives that are easier to obtain and provide similar benefits. Additionally, game developers regularly introduce new gearing options and make changes to the game that can disrupt the theorycrafting of BiS lists. As such, these lists require constant updating. It's crucial to remember that executing your rotation effectively, having a deep understanding of encounters, and communicating and coordinating with your fellow players can have a more substantial impact on your damage output and survivability than any item on the list.

Mythic+ Best in Slot Gear for Balance Druid

Mythic+ system is a highly efficient means of obtaining gear in The War Within. Completing higher-level keys presents a significant challenge, but success can result in equipping your character with some of the best equipment available in WoW PvE.

It's worth reiterating that the items mentioned above are merely examples of what you should be aiming for in the end-of-the-run chests and the Great Vault. While completing Mythic+ dungeons or obtaining gear from other sources, you may encounter alternatives that suit your character better. As such, obtaining the exact set mentioned earlier is not a necessary goal.

The Upgrade, Spark of Dreams, and Embellishment Options for Balance Druid

In general, weapons and trinkets have traditionally been the best gear to prioritize for upgrades. However, it's also important to consider the possibility of upgrading tier or other off-pieces using Dreaming Crests, such as:

• Embellishment pieces (such as Toxic Thorn Footwraps or a piece with Shadowflame-Tempered Armor Patch);
• Primal Molten Spellblade;
• Balefire Branch;
• Elemental Lariat once you have a lot of sockets.

After obtaining the Spark of Dreams, it's recommended to craft the following items at the highest possible item level. Remember that you can use the recrafting system to increase the item level later if needed. Once you have crafted your best pieces, use the remaining sparks to upgrade slots with the lowest item level in order to increase your average item level.

Consider crafting these items with your Spark of Dreams:

1. Slimy Expulsion Boots;
2. A different leather piece for Toxified Armor Patch;
3. Primal Molten Spellblade if no weapon;
4. Signet of Titanic Insight if lacking rings;

Crafting items with Embellishments allows you to add special properties and effects to your gear in addition to regular stats. It's important to keep in mind that you can only wear two pieces of gear with Embellishments at a time. With that said, here are the best Embellishments to consider:

Toxified Armor Patch and Slimy Expulsion Boots are the two best Embellishments for both single-target and area-of-effect situations. If you have these two Embellishments, you don't need to worry about anything else. Keep in mind that Toxified Armor Patch needs to be crafted on a Leather piece.

It is worth noting that acquiring all this crafted equipment can be quite costly in terms of gold, and it may take several weeks of dedicated effort to farm the necessary resources. However, players can opt to buy WoW Gold through a reliable service provider for a quick and convenient solution. The prices are reasonable, and the results are guaranteed.

Best Balance Druid Enchants and Consumables

It's always a smart move to have appropriate enchantments on your gear. Enchantments not only boost your character's power but also indicate to other players that you're a skilled and dedicated member of your class. To help you out, here's a comprehensive list of the top enchantments currently available in The War Within:

When it comes to choosing the best phial for a Balance Druid, Phial of Elemental Chaos is the top pick. However, some players opt for Phial of Tepid Versatility, which offers similar damage output and damage reduction.

For maximum effectiveness in both raiding and Mythic+, Balance Druids should always have an Elemental Potion of Ultimate Power on hand, as well as an ample supply of Refreshing Healing Potions for any situation. In dire circumstances, a Potion of Withering Vitality may come in handy.

To further enhance your performance, don't forget to enchant your weapon with a Howling Rune and enjoy a feast of Grand Banquet of the Kalu'ak before every encounter. If sharing isn't your thing, a plate of Sizzling Seafood Medley should do the trick.

For gemming your gear, it's recommended to use Keen Neltharite in all your sockets, except for one Skillful Illimited Diamond.

While it's important to have the right gear enchants and consumables, they won't necessarily guarantee success in defeating raid bosses. Moreover, if you can't find a suitable raid group for a particular week, you risk missing out on an entire raid lockout. Fortunately, our WoW Raid Boost services offer a solution to this problem. Our team will help you acquire the best raid items for your character, allowing you to make the most of your gear enchants and consumables. With our assistance, you can rest assured that you're well-equipped to take on any raid challenge.

Balance Druid Rotation Guide

Let's take a look at the proper way to play a Balance Druid, starting with the opener rotation. As with any skill, practice makes perfect, so make sure to get plenty of practice on target dummies before entering real combat.

Balance Druid Opener Rotation

1. Pre cast 2 Wraths to get into Eclipse.
2. DOT targets with Moonfire and Sunfire
3. DOT with Stellar Flare.
4. Use Cooldowns such as Celestial Alignment on cooldown.
5. Starsurge to not cap Astral Power.
6. Build Astral Power with Wrath or Starfire depending on target counts.
7. Fury of Elune during cooldowns.
8. Dump all your Astral Power towards the end of your cooldowns.

Balance Druid Single-Target Rotation

1. DOT targets with Moonfire and Sunfire with 100% uptime. This is very important due to our mastery.
2. DOT with Stellar Flare.
3. Stay in Eclipse as often as possible. As it currently stands on Single Target you are prioritizing Eclipse (Lunar).
4. Avoid capping Astral Power by spending on Starsurge.
5. Use minor cooldowns like Fury of Elune.
6. Starfire to consume the Umbral Embrace proc when you are in Eclipse.
7. Press your builders, such as Wrath to generate Astral Power. As stated above with Lunar Eclipse being our ST priority, you still want to Wrath inside of Lunar Eclipse.

Balance Druid multi-target rotation

1. DOT targets with Moonfire and Sunfire with 100% uptime. This is very important due to our mastery. This is the first global priority.
2. Get into Eclipse ASAP or Press your Cooldowns. If you are going to use cooldowns on AOE you just activate after you get everything DOTted.
3. Starfall until you are 0 Astral Power.
4. Use Fury of Elune as often as possible. It is very good AP generation.
5. Stellar Flare targets that will live longer than 8 seconds assuming the trash pack also takes longer than 30 seconds and you will not overcap on AP.
6. Spam Starfire.

Balance Druid Leveling Guide

When it comes to leveling a Balance Druid, the early stages can feel pretty ridiculous. With the right gear, it's easy to mass pull a large number of mobs and spam abilities like Starfall and Moonfire. At the first few levels, enemies will simply melt away. However, this strategy doesn't hold up once you reach higher levels or encounter more challenging opponents. In fact, when it comes to leveling, Moonkin is often considered one of the strongest or weakest specs in the game, with little middle ground.

Here is the talent setup for the leveling process:

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As you progress towards level 80 with your Balance Druid, you may want to consider using certain consumables to aid you on your journey. 

1. Flask of Spectral Power can be helpful for increasing your overall power.
2. Potion of Spectral Intellect can enhance your damage output.
3. Cosmic Healing Potions can be used to restore health in tight situations.
4. Gunshoes can help you move around faster.
5. For additional burst damage, Drums of Deathly Ferocity can also be used.

When it comes to leveling your Balance Druid, there is no special rotation to follow. You can refer to the general rotation mentioned earlier in this guide.

Reaching level cap in WoW opens up a whole world of possibilities for your character. If you feel overwhelmed and would like some assistance with your newly-leveled character, you can check out our World of Warcraft Boosting services. Our professional players complete these services at the best market price and as quickly as possible.

The Best Primordial Stones for Balance Druid

Currently, using Primordial Stones is not an optimal choice compared to crafted rings. The loss of secondary stats with Primordial Stones and Onyx Annulet makes them suitable only for Patchwerk Single Target scenarios. Even in Mythic+ dungeons, it appears that using them is a downgrade compared to crafted alternatives. Additionally, many of the stone combinations result in significant reductions in performance compared to the Crafted Rings.

How to Become a Better Balance Druid in The War Within

With proper equipment, enchantments, and nourishment, as well as familiarity with your opener, you're ready to take on more advanced tips for a Balance Druid. This section provides some valuable tips and tricks:

1. Take your time exploring your spellbook and talents, paying close attention to everything, including talents that are not part of our recommended builds. Mastery of your specialization is what sets exceptional druids apart from good ones;
2. Don't neglect target dummy training or running low-level keys. Our opener and resource management are complex and require muscle memory to execute correctly;
3. Seek gear upgrades from multiple sources rather than focusing solely on "Best in Slot" lists or a single content type. The War Within provides equipment from nearly every activity, which is advantageous for beginners;
4. Research raid strategies and dungeon routes to become the most informed and prepared player in your group;
5. Be a team player! In WoW, individual accomplishments are rare. Learn to coordinate crowd control and cooldowns with your party and raid members to achieve extraordinary results;
6. Feel free to experiment! As we mentioned earlier, your talents and abilities are not set in stone. Try new things and see what works best for you.

Other Articles to Read

At SkyCoach, we strive to provide comprehensive coverage of our favorite games. If you're looking for information on other topics related to World of Warcraft, we invite you to explore our blog. We offer detailed guides and articles on various WoW specializations and in-game activities.

Perhaps you're interested in tanking and want to learn more about the Blood Death Knight, or maybe you'd like to try a new specialization like Retribution Paladin. Whatever your interests, we've got you covered.

If you're still focused on Balance Druid, we recommend our Balance Druid Mage Tower Guide. This exciting challenge offers unique rewards and will put your skills with this caster spec to the test!

Conclusion

Our goal with this article was to provide an all-encompassing resource on every aspect of playing a Balance Druid in The War Within. If you had any unanswered questions regarding Balance, we hope that you were able to find the answers you were looking for here. Our recommendations in this guide should assist you in improving your gameplay and increasing your enjoyment while playing WoW. However, please keep in mind that these are merely suggestions, not strict rules to follow. Don't hesitate to try out different talents, rotations, and gear to find what works best for you. Remember, at the end of the day, WoW is just a game meant to be enjoyed. That's all the information we have for now. Take care, and we'll see you in the Azeroth!

F.A.Q.

Are Balance Druids good in The War Within?

Balance Druids are extremely effective! They boast a versatile damage profile and impressive utility kit, making them a valuable asset in all types of content.

Is Balance Druid hard to play in WoW?

Although learning the basics of how to play Balance Druid is relatively straightforward, climbing the ranks in Mythic+ or raiding can be a daunting challenge at higher levels. It takes a skilled player with a determined mindset to master all the intricacies of this specialization.

What is the best weapon for a Balance Druid?

Equipping a weapon with Intellect, either a two-hander or a one-handed weapon with an off-hand, is always the best choice.

What is the best profession for a Balance Druid?

While not strictly mandatory, Leatherworking is an obvious choice as it allows you to craft armor for yourself. Herbalism and Mining are also excellent choices for general gold-making purposes.

Is Balance Druid good in PvE WoW?

Absolutely! Balance Druids are a top-tier choice for both raids and Mythic+ content, making them highly sought-after in group settings.

What is the best rotation for a Balance Druid?

Mastering your resources and cooldowns is key to playing Balance Druid effectively. Once you've achieved this, the spell sequence will come naturally. Reviewing the Balance Druid rotation section of our guide is a great place to start.